Mrs wants an ipad mini - because "her friends have them".
I never argue

I am not familiar with Apple stuff
I know that there could be discussion about whether Samsung / Nexus ie better than Apple but she wants Apple

ipad Mini 2 seems the way to go. The Mini 1 is a lot cheaper but poorer screen etc, and mini 3 had add-ons that seem to be insignificant.

The issue is about benefits/ need for/ issues with having the cellular enabled version

From my own use of a Hudl 1 (Ok but very poor wifi sensitivity) I know most use would be via various wifi hotspots. However, we go camping/ visit other countries sometimes and often there is no wifi available. Hence my query about cellular.

I intend to buy outright so I presume (????) that will mean the device would not be locked to any specific Mobile company ie I could throw in any SIM card to use the cellular function.

Is that correct?

My mobile phone will NOT do tethering - well, not on my cheap package with 3.

What to folk think? Is cellular enabled worthwhile (it costs) or just try harder to find a wifi link?

Snod

its for the missus.

So the question is how long you want her to stay quiet.
I'm guessing you guys are out and about so Sim Version could create a quieter experience.

For me the cost of a sim version does not out way the cost.
Wifi is everywhere there is a pub etc.
Dont forget if your on BT you have open zone so that's even more access.

Connection isnt going to be the problem its going to be "How do you do this and how do you do that !! "

I would go cheaper as she may have difficulty getting used to it.

Providers have "Tablet" sims which have more data available as you wont be sending texts or voice calls. So its not exactly a phone sim with voice and texts included.

Hope that helps.

Just re-read your post with respect to camping. I think your still going to face the same problem, and out side the EU you could fall fowl of excessive data costs. Tablets like phones have back ground services running and will pull data unless exclusively turned off.

I would say sitck to your phone for data voice and text while traveling as packages are more flexible with roaming and charges. You can always take a picture with your mini pad record video and upload them at your next hotspot.

Hope that helps.

If you need a 3G or 4G connection whilst out and about and do not want to rely on public wifi you could get a "MyFi" type device, something like this:
http://store.three.co.uk/view/plan/MBBD02072014T090118
That way you can get the cheaper non-sim version but still be able to connect to the internet.
£100 extra for the cellular ipad mini version, compared to £50 for a pay as you go mifi, seems a no brainer, plus you can share the connection on the mifi with other devices, your phone, laptop etc.

On the ipads themselves, I think the gen 1 mini is starting to show its age now. Screen and speedwise (but I won't open the Samsung vs Apple debate any further :))

I got one of these (the previous version, E5331) for when we go to Wales, you can download an app for it which lets you monitor data usage, connected devices etc. You can get them on ebay/Amazon too.

The previous posts seem to have it covered. I would also buy the additional device with the money saved. I would probably also buy the latest apple device, that way it will stay current for longer. It also has better specs.

Looks like getting a standard wifi tablet and then a Huawei E5330 Mobile Wi-Fi device is the better way to go. The Huawei devices had a good write up on the motorhome forums as well.

NOW the decision is - Ipad or Ipad mini.
I'll think about that.
Personally I am more inclined to the full size job - but then it is for the Mrs not me (in theory) so she has the final say

Cheers guys

Snod

I've got the full sized cellular version but have only ever used it wifi. As for size, i actually wish i had the option to get the mini (it came at 6 months or so after i got mine) the full sized model can feel a little heavy after prolonged use. I think you should definately ask your wife for her preference.

My Mrs has an iPad mini that one of our sons bought her, it's great as regards being nice and light, easy to handle, etc but the screen is a tad small - and some apps (that do not allow text size changes or expanded view via a certain 2-finger gesture) can be a bit small and hard to read (you need good eyesight, in other words!)
Also, some apps' tool bars or buttons end up being really small on the mini, and she (me too) has to try 'touching' a button 5, 6 (or more!) times before we manage to actually hit the button! This can get very annoying. I have to assume it would be much less of an issue on the full-size iPad (clearly, many apps that run on both were actually designed on the full-size iPad, where the buttons, tool bars etc are probably just a nice size!)

Having had a good play with the devices today in Staples/ Curry's/Tesco and in friends house - I agree with CV. The mini is a bit small display (and Mrs never wears her specs) so I am going for full iPad air 2 WiFi only. Pick up Friday

Snod